Senegal is trumpeted as an example of a successful democracy. Well, by African standards its done rather well. The military hasn't played a major role in regime change recently like countries elsewhere in the sub-region. Yet, here we stand, again. President Macky Sall and his Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition have decided to delay the elections until the end of the year. The move comes on the back of years of democratic back sliding with various prominent opposition figures arrested and tried on varying charges. The opposition claim the cases are politically-motivated. The government claims innocence and rule of law. Well, if rule of law is to stand the test now rests with the judiciary. The presidential election can not be held at the end of the year. It must be held in quarter 2. Will the judiciary stand or will it succumb meekly like so many other institutions in Africa have over the past decade. And what of the street, civil unrest is sure to follow.
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